Emirates for more India flights

Ashwini Phadnis

NEW DELHI, Dec. 4

THE Dubai-based Emirates Airlines is keen on participate in getting convention and tourist traffic into the country, according to Mr Tony M. Tayeh, Head of Planning, International and Industry Affairs.

``We are very committed to the Indian market. The airline would like to participate as an official airline for the various conventions that are held here. This would help us to fly in people for the convention. We would also like to bring in more tourists,'' Mr Tayeh told Business Line on Tuesday.On the issue of launch of new services to Kochi, he said that Emirates was in touch with the Government on this issue.

``We would like to offer a serious product. The airline would like to offer at least a daily service between Dubai and Kochi."

However, airline officials indicated that Emirates was unlikely to wait indefinitely for Government approval to launch the Dubai-Kochi service.

``No airlines can be inactive in a growing market. Emirates is continuously looking at new opportunities and availing them where they appear,'' a senior airline official said.